Video Game Victims

Too much play time can cause hand injuries, eye strain, experts say

FRIDAY, May 6 (HealthDay News) -- Video gaming is more popular than ever -- an estimated eight games were sold every second in 2004, according to industry experts.

But with that increased interest in flashy graphics and button-mashing comes increased health concerns.

Too much gaming can cause repetitive-motion injuries in the hands and arms, doctors say, as well as eye strain.

There are even a few non-tech terms referring to the swollen muscles and tendons that come from too much game playing: "Nintendo Thumb" or "Nintendenitis."

But, there are steps gamers can take to prevent injury and still enjoy themselves.

"It is as important for children to take the proper precautions in playing video games as it is for them to warm up and safeguard against injury before a soccer game," said William W. Walsh, president of the American Society of Hand Therapists. "The repetitive movements associated with playing video games can lead to future ailments, given excessive hours of play time."

More than $7.3 billion in video games were sold in 2004, according to data compiled by the Entertainment Software Association, an industry trade group. One of the best-selling titles of the year, Halo 2 for the XBox, raked in $125 million during its first day of sales, more than any movie has ever grossed on its opening day.

That much interest inevitably means some people will enjoy too much of a good thing, said Stacey Doyon, vice president of the American Society of Hand Therapists. While there are no statistics available, Doyon said she often sees cases of muscle strain that are at least partially caused by video gaming.

"A co-worker of mine says her son complains about his hands hurting after playing, but he won't stop," Doyon said. "And I have an adult patient who didn't want to admit that his game playing might be causing his problems with sore hands and arms." (more)